Question on what kind of trucks stop at scales

[birdseyeview]

I'm considering going into trucking and have some questions. If I was a owner operator of a 18,000 GVWR Isuzu truck with two axles. Would I need to stop at every open scale? To my understanding I do not need a CDL but just a regular class C to drive such truck as its like a heavy duty pickup truck with big box frame.

Thanks in advance.

[dw]

Would I need to stop at every open scale?
Yes.

[birdseyeview]

NPS Park Rangers don't get paid enough. Thinking about doing it as a owner operator on the side. Thanks for the answer.

[dw]

Don't forget to get your CA Number as well and print the name of the company on the sides of the vehicle, that will save you some grief.

[makakona]

i was really surprised when we moved to los angeles and i rented just a regular budget moving truck... if the guy hadn't told me, it never would have occurred to me to stop at the scales!

one of my hats, long ago, was insuring truckers. i left insurance to go work for one of my top clients who started as an owner-operator and ended up with quite the fleet. interesting field and something i kind of miss sometimes. it's fun to still see old clients' trucks on the road, though. i was in san diego when i did insurance, but we covered a decent area of los angeles, so i even see some up there now.

[mrcorporate]

When I moved, I drove a Uhaul...I was driving the second largest truck they make, and I stopped at the scales just to be sure. I didn't know what else to do. Rather do that then get a ticket!

[birdseyeview]

Ok. I have another question.

What kind of trucks DO NOT need to stop at the scales? Is it the weight or transportation regulation? The truck I am looking at is a Chevy 4500, basically its like a Ford truck chasis with box over frame.

[RodeoChippie]

I have been told that if it doesn't have a pickup bed, it would have to stop. Even some heavy duty 1 ton pickups may technically be required to stop if they weigh enough. Your best bet would be to call an inspection facility or the commercial unit located near you. Have the weight of the truck you are considering and the specifics of the type of cargo container you want to put on it handy so they can give you an educated answer. They can also advise you whether or not you would be required to register for the BIT program.

[Fish'nChip]

Section 2813 of the Vehicle Code requires that all commercial vehicles must stop at inspection facilties if open. Technically, a taxi is a commercial vehicle per the definition in the VC but when you go by the scales they will specifically say "ALL TRUCKS MUST STOP". That means that all motortrucks (410 VC) must stop. Well guess what?....a pick-up (471 VC) is a motor truck. However, below the "ALL TRUCKS MUST STOP" sign..... it says no pickups.

So to make a long story short, from your description, the minute your Chevy 4500 lost its open box bed and either went flatbed or cargo (van) box, you are no longer a pickup and you need to drive through the scales if they are open.

dw is right on the CA# issue. If the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating on the truck is 10,001 lbs or more then you will need to obtain a CA# from the CHP (http://www.chp.ca.gov/pdf/chp362.pdf) and a motor carrier permit from the DMV (http://www.dmv.ca.gov/forms/mcp/mcp706app.pdf) before the truck is operated on the highway.

If you fail to stop at scales when required, then you can be cited for either 2813 VC (misdmeanor) or 21461(a) VC (infraction).

....and remember not all trucks will stop at the scales when they are open. There is a bypass system in place which will allow many trucks to continue on. They have a transponder in the truck and it signals them to continue on their way due to reasons we don't have to get into...unless you really want to know.

also, that size of vehicle alone is not subject to BIT.

Good luck

:smile:

[Mac]

...So to make a long story short, from your description, the minute your Chevy 4500 lost its open box bed and either went flatbed or cargo (van) box, you are no longer a pickup and you need to drive through the scales if they are open...
...not only that, but if you're driving a box truck for hire then you most assuredly will need to pass through the scales.